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pjteixeira

By pjteixeira
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pjteixeira

pjteixeira

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Hi,

 

I'm still in my early stages with the Leica M system. I have an M9 with 35mm and 50mm Summicron lenses but thinking of adding a 21mm and 90mm to my gear.

 

The thing is that my old bags are just...BIG!

They were great for my Canon 5D markII with all my L lenses but now...they don't work!

 

I need some advice as website pictures and manufacturers specifications are not sufficient for me to make a choice. As I live in Lisbon (Portugal) it's almost impossible to see live Billingham, Artisan or Domke bags, for instance.

 

Wich bag do you have and love and/or which one would you recommend for my equipment?

 

Thank you,

 

Paulo

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efftee

efftee

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I have a few A&A bags, which are considerably smaller and (I find) better fit for RFs than most other brands. Unfortunately, the original A&A website, even if you can read Japanese, is not very good and not updated with their latest bags. This, on the other hand, is much better: A&A Bags.

 

Not sure how you could get one if/when you have decided though.

 

Good luck! ;)

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gjames9142

gjames9142

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This Canadian source is quite a bit cheaper, https://www.leicaboutique.com/ To me the question is whether or not you walk around with a bag of gear on your shoulder -- something I never do. I transport my mimimal gear in a Billingam, but tend to take a single camera, and perhaps a second lens in a pouch in the pocket of my photovest. A A have nice bags that are flatter and could be messenger bags that don't proclaim pbotograper -- I am tempted to get one,

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rennsport

rennsport

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I'm using a Billingham L2 (Khaki/Tan) which opens and closes easily. I normally travel with 2 lens, sometimes 3 (including the one mounted on the body) plus my D-Lux 4 in that bag. I find the front pocket real handy for a spare battery, and my sunglasses. What I like most about the L2 is that it's almost unbranded except a small Billingham tag on the side.

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pjteixeira

pjteixeira

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Very good suggestions until now!

 

I've already looked at A&A and they look great!

 

Domke sometimes seem like having less protection but I like the "style" of some of their offerings and I do carry an iPad so the F-803 could be an option.

 

Billingham Hadley pro is th only Billingham I'm considering at this time...

 

Thank you for your suggestions and please do continue to tip me if you got more ideas...

 

Paulo

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mn4367

mn4367

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I have the A&A Image Smith bag and I can really recommend it. It stores two bodies, one of them with a lens attached, 4 additional lenses, 2 finders, a tiny tripod and some other small accessories. Sean Reid reviewed it and also the new version.

But I have to admit that when I'm out shooting I almost never use it :eek:. Before going out I decide which lenses to use (in most cases only two) and I carry them in a trouser or jacket pocket. So the bag is mostly used for storing all the photo equipment when I'm travelling but not during shooting. Currently I'm looking for a tiny bag for two lenses which I can attach to a trouser belt.

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poptart

poptart

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I just got the A & A Oskar's One Day bag from Dale Photo yesterday and it is perfect for what I need. It is relatively small and comfortable to carry. Fully loaded it holds an M6ttl with a 90 asph attached, an M7 with a 50 asph attached, a 35 cron and a 21 Voigtlander in their cases, filters, film , lens caps and an iPad. The front flap zippered pocket is still empty and will hold a wallet, keys and a cell phone. The back outside pocket is also empty and would be perfect for airline tickets, maps,etc. I doubt that I will carry it fully loaded except perhaps when travelling but it is nice to know I could. It makes a very compact travel bag, and without all of the above in it, makes a great all day bag to shoot from with maybe one camera and several lenses.

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pjteixeira

pjteixeira

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A question for Billingham users....

 

Canvas or Fibrenyte?

 

The Hadley Pro is the front runner at this time as it can accommodate my gear and iPad.

Domke models (2 still in the race) are my second choice until now.

A&A seem great but are harder to see live where I live.

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

Paulo

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250swb

250swb

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I think you are making the right choice with the Billingham.

 

Get the optional shoulder pad with it and its a very comfy bag to use for a full day out, doesn't look 'boutique' enough to attract attention, and there is plenty of space for a days paraphernalia (there's no point in having a 'fitted' bag if you also want to use the bag for books, maps, guides and iPads). Additionally they are very tough and you don't need to worry about scuffing the bag or getting it wet etc.

 

As for material I have a canvas bag, and it isn't showing any real signs of wear after eight years use.

 

Steve

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gib_robinson

gib_robinson

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Paulo,

 

There is another version of the A-A bags offered by Photo Village in New York under the name "Black Label" bags. I own one of the original A-A "Image Smith" bags and one of the Henri's Paris Holiday Bag Mark II. I like them both very much.

 

The Photo Village :: Black Label Bag :: Black Label Bag Henri's Paris Holiday Bag Mark II

 

The Photo Village :: Black Label Bag :: Black Label Bag The Image Smith Bag Mark II

 

--Gib

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rafael_macia

rafael_macia

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I use a Brady fishing bag ( I have, and use three; the Severn, Gelderburn, and Large Ariel, and switch off between them depending on what I am carrying).

Brady Bags

The build quality is the best I have ever found, and to make putting lenses and bodies into them, I slip a Billingham insert, both small and large, and the outer pockets get Domke pocket cushiions.

They don't look like camera bags, are comfortable to carry, lastly they are waterproof.

pricing varies but if you shop around on ebay, you can come up with a new one for a great price.

20/20 mobile eyes is a seller I have gotten two from, and can recommend.

Rafael

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d2mini

d2mini

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A question for Billingham users....

 

Canvas or Fibrenyte?

 

The Hadley Pro is the front runner at this time as it can accommodate my gear and iPad.

Domke models (2 still in the race) are my second choice until now.

A&A seem great but are harder to see live where I live.

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

Paulo

 

I had the black Hadley Pro. Took it on vacation with me.

Sold it when i got back and bought the Domke F-803.

 

The Hadley was bulkier, the front pockets didn't feel secure to me, it was too fancy looking for my tastes in actual use, and had no organizational aspects to it other than the two front pockets and the internal dividers. The Domke is narrower/sits closer to the body, has better front pockets, has the rear pocket that fits my ipad even with it's thick Dodo Case (although this pocket is open on top making it a bit vulnerable to weather), has just one closure instead of two for the top flap, and it has two thin pockets on the top flap. You have to buy the extra Domke FA-230 insert with moveable dividers but it's still much cheaper. In the Hadley's favor, the top flap covers the bag better for keeping out dust, I do think they have the best made internal dividers, and the quality of construction is top notch.

 

I know plenty of people love it and rightfully so, but that's my experience with it. Very well made but for that price it was lacking in the engineering design department. For me the Domke is the better "everyday" bag.

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Doc Henry

Doc Henry

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Paulo,

Beware of shocks that can happen at any time.

I am however very careful

I dropped my bag (brand Prat) from about 70 cm, with my M9 (and M8) and fell with the camera.

I had the edge of the UV / IR filter which has bent over 2 centimeters :mad:

The bag was however a large leather bag BUT there is not enough protection, including the bottom of the bag.

I have 3 Billingham bags (Hadley pro) that are more protected inside (hard foam around and below)

As said David,this is one of the best bags that are commercially available,but it is true that it costs more.

Henry

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vish

vish

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I have half as many bags as David Alan Harvey, but the ultimate daily use bag for the Leica is my old Contax G Goldpfeil bag. It's beautiful, soft leather, and contains pouches inside for three lenses and the camera + lens. The camera is held in place by a button-down flap. There's space for pens, books and magazines.

 

It's not a protective bag, but because the kit is held securely and not rattling around at the bottom, a drop won't harm them.

 

I will post pictures if anyone's interested. This bag is still available around the internet and eBay.

 

There's a pic here, but it doesn't show the interesting bits inside. ZEISS: Contax G1 outfit

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Paul Verrips

Paul Verrips

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I just bought the Billingham Leica combibag Leica Camera AG - Photography - 'BILLINGHAM' COMBINATION CASE

 

Did some research for the measurements and chose the Billingham Leica combibag because of the height (more is not necessary and i wanted something small):

 

Billingham f1.4 180x320x110

Billingham f2.8 180x260x110

Billingham Hadley large 255x360x85

Billingham Hadley small 185x260x70

Billingham Leica Combibag 145x245x110

 

(HxWxD)

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bocaburger

bocaburger

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I have a Billingham Alice/A2 but don't use it for travel. I use only zippered bags for travel. The Domke F5XB (and my latest favorite, J5XB the ballistic one) are super. With 2 added internal partitions and a pair of rear-coupling caps I carry my M9, 15, 21, 35, 50 and 90 lenses (one lens on the camera) plus an SF24D and spare battery and SD cards. Or by eliminating one lens or sticking the flash in my pocket I can fit a second body in the bag. My wife calls it my "clown car bag" because I manage to pull so much stuff out of it.

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